Representatives from Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture visited St. Mary’s College on Tuesday, Feb. 26. They toured the campus, learned about St. Mary’s, the college’s programs, and explored opportunities for collaboration along the way. The museum’s executive director, Skipp Sanders; director of collections and exhibitions, Michelle Wilkinson; and educational programs coordinator, Terry Taylor, met with faculty, staff and students to discuss ideas surrounding student internships, oral history projects, and opportunities for students interested in careers in the museum industry.
“Our goal was to find synergistic opportunities to foster a lasting partnership between our institution and the museum,” said President Urgo. “The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is a Maryland jewel, providing opportunities to experience the state’s rich African-American history, art, and culture. We are delighted to have had this visit to discuss ways in which we can align our endeavors.”
During a stop at the college’s Boyden Gallery, Sanders spoke of what the visit ignited. “We have come here and have found true kindred spirits … the collaboration that we were hoping to find already exists [at St. Mary’s College] in multiples of what were thinking,” Sanders said. “It has been a great exchange.”
St. Mary’s College Professor Julia King, one of many faculty members who engaged in a discussion with the museum representatives, stated, “We have learned that there is tremendous opportunity available at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for St. Mary’s, as well as the opportunities that the college has to offer the museum,” King said. “With these conversations, I think that we will really be able to collaborate in very meaningful ways.”